Bucket-list Destinations: Powered by Pangea

Where digital nomads are dreaming of, and actually going, in 2025.

A common theme often arises as a digital nomad; with the world at our fingertips, our friends dotted across the globe, and a constant influx of information on social media about the ‘hottest’ and ‘trendiest’ places to work and travel remotely – where should we actually go next?

With thousands of nomads in Pangea’s global community, we decided to look beyond the noise and uncover where our community is actually heading. By analyzing over 80,000 places that digital nomads added to the Pangea app - from wishlists to confirmed travel plans - we gained an authentic snapshot of the top destinations for 2025.

So, what did we find? While some classic favorites continue to shine, certain destinations have clearly emerged as the hottest nomad spots this year. These are the places appearing again and again on bucket lists and in confirmed travel plans.

So if you’re planning your next chapter or just feeling that pull to go somewhere new, grab a pen and paper and take note of the trending nomad hotspots to watch in 2025.

Top Bucket-list Destinations Among Digital Nomads

🇯🇵 Japan – The Dream Destination

📌 804 wishlists | Top 3 for 9/10 nationalities

Japan is the undisputed nomad bucket-list champion, topping wishlists across almost every nationality of Pangea users.

It’s not the cheapest destination, but it is one of the most culturally rich and gastronomically exciting - and thanks to excellent infrastructure and growing interest in long-stay tourism, it’s more accessible than ever for remote workers.

While not yet among the most-traveled countries in future planned trips in-app, its dream-destination status is undeniable.

Why it’s trending: Cultural curiosity, reliability, solo-friendly
Best for: Creatives, solo travelers, first-time slowmads
Make it work-friendly: Try Osaka or Fukuoka for a lower cost of living than Tokyo, plus solid coworking options.

🇮🇩 Bali, Indonesia – Still Going Strong

📌 79 wishlists | 39 planned trips | #1 most wishlisted city

Though Bali isn’t new to the digital nomad scene, it remains one of the most popular destinations. With its vibrant spiritual vibe, lush landscapes, and thriving coworking culture, it remains a top pick, especially for creative and wellness-focused nomads.

It’s also the single most wishlisted city in the Pangea app, with more planned trips than anywhere else.

Why it’s trending: Affordability, wellness culture, strong expat base
Best for: Creatives, coaches, entrepreneurs
Make it work-friendly: Canggu and Ubud are classic hubs, but Pererenan and Sanur offer a quieter pace with the same great infrastructure.

🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa – City Meets Beach: Nomad Paradise

📌 283 total trips | 35 planned trips | #2 most wishlisted city

Cape Town is a nomad classic that’s growing rapidly in popularity. With absolutely breathtaking natural beauty, friendly community vibe, and affordability, it’s one of the few places where you can surf, hike, work, and dine out in a single day. The city’s status grows as a vibrant global hub where work and adventure go hand in hand.

Why it’s trending: Outdoor lifestyle, affordability, growing nomad scene
Best for: Creators, wellness nomads, adventurous professionals
Make it work-friendly: Coworking/living spaces in Sea Point & Gardens make it easy to meet other nomads.

🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal – Europe’s Nomad Hub

📌 184 total trips | 32 trips planned | 4th most popular future destination

Lisbon keeps climbing the ranks as Europe’s go-to digital nomad city, especially for those craving sunshine, a walkable city, and a thriving coworking culture. It’s visa-friendly, English is widely spoken, and the creative energy is real.

It consistently ranks in the top 5 destinations where nomads are actively planning trips.

Why it’s trending: Mild climate, EU access, social atmosphere
Best for: Creatives, remote teams, and U.S. nomads looking for a time zone-friendly, English-accessible base in Europe with strong community vibes.
Make it work-friendly: Look for coworking spots in Bairro Alto or Marvila, and consider nearby surf towns like Ericeira for weekend escapes.

🇹🇭 Thailand – The Classic That Still Checks Every Box

📌 666 wishlists | 77 planned trips | Top 3 for 6/10 nationalities

Thailand continues to dominate wishlists and future plans alike. From laid-back Chiang Mai to the chaos of Bangkok and the calm of the islands, there’s a rhythm for every kind of remote worker here - and the cost of living is still hard to beat.

Why it’s trending: Affordability, food, flexible lifestyle
Best for: First-time nomads, budget-conscious travelers, long-term stays
Make it work-friendly: Chiang Mai remains a top coworking hotspot, while Koh Phangan and Krabi are gaining traction for work-from-paradise types.

🇮🇹 Italy – The Destination Getting a Remote Work Rethink

📌 #4 on the global wishlist (610 adds) | Europe’s top 3 for upcoming nomad plans (99 trips and counting)

Is Italy slowly becoming more than just a trendy ‘euro summer’ destination? Our data shows that nomads are increasingly choosing it for its slow-living appeal, especially in lesser-known regions like Sicily, Puglia, and Tuscany. Coworking and coliving spaces are popping up in rural areas, making it easier than ever to stay connected while soaking in the culture.

Why it’s trending: Cuisine, slow-living, mediterranean climate
Best for: Slowmads, culture-seekers, couples
Make it work-friendly: Consider Florence or Palermo for a balance of lifestyle and logistics.

Emerging Destinations: The ‘Stans’ Are On The Rise

Beyond the regular bucket-list spots, the five Central Asian countries; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, collectively known as the ‘Stans’, are gaining traction. Thanks to new visa policies, unique landscapes, and growing nomad-friendly infrastructure, these destinations are becoming the go-to for adventurous digital nomads seeking less crowded, culturally rich environments. Keep an eye on these emerging hubs in 2025/26.

🌴 Madeira, Australia & New Zealand: Rising Stars

Madeira is quickly carving out its place as one of Europe’s most exciting digital nomad hubs. With its year-round mild weather, fast internet, and growing coliving/coworking ecosystem, it’s becoming a go-to spot for remote workers who want both adventure and a tight-knit community.

Want to learn more about what makes Madeira special for digital nomads? Watch our video for in-depth insights on why nomads are choosing this Portuguese island paradise.

Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand are showing massive demand among nomads worldwide – with almost 1,000 wishlist adds in the Pangea app. While these countries remain underrepresented in group nomad travel programs right now, this data highlights a huge gap in the market. The combination of high quality of life, stunning nature, and modern infrastructure makes Aus/NZ a dream destination for those willing to venture further afield.

🗺 Where the World Wants to Go: Top wishlist destinations by nationality

Where you’re from often shapes your travel inspo. According to wishlist data from Pangea, where nomads are from plays a big role in where they want to go. Here’s what Pangea’s top wishlist destinations by nationality show:

Japan is the undisputed favorite, but it’s also fascinating to see regional preferences emerge. While North Americans lean toward Europe and the Pacific, South Africans and Australians are focused on Asia. Mexicans are dreaming of Argentina and Iceland, and the French are drawn to Indonesia.

Beyond the Wishlist

This data reveals more than just a list of trendy destinations - it’s a snapshot of how digital nomads are evolving. While high-speed internet and sunny beaches are still core values, today’s remote workers are prioritizing cultural depth, community, and intentional living.

The lines between vacation, lifestyle, and career are blurring. Nomads in 2025 are curating their lives with intention by choosing places that align with their values, rhythms, and personal growth. It’s not just about the next stamp in a passport; it’s about finding spaces where the work-life balance feels natural, where community is easy to build, and where inspiration flows effortlessly.

So whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, coworking in a Lisbon café, or finding your tribe in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, now is the time to rethink what your remote lifestyle could look like. The map is wide open, and the future of work isn’t tied to a desk, but to the destinations that inspire us.

Where will you go next?

Ready to connect with fellow nomads heading to these destinations? Find your travel tribe on Pangea.